Psalms 145:20

Authorized King James Version

The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Word-by-Word Analysis

שׁוֹמֵ֣ר

H8104

preserveth

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

יְ֭הוָה

H3068

The LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אֹהֲבָ֑יו

H157

all them that love

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

וְאֵ֖ת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הָרְשָׁעִ֣ים

H7563

him but all the wicked

morally wrong; concretely, an (actively) bad person

יַשְׁמִֽיד׃

H8045

will he destroy

to desolate

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing love fundamental to theology proper, revealing God's essential nature and character and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the Israelite monarchy with its court politics and military conflicts. The author writes to address worshipers in the temple and those seeking God in times of distress, making the emphasis on divine love particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show patron-client relationships and family loyalty concepts, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding divine love as presented in this verse, particularly in light of responding to cultural confusion about the nature of love and relationships?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of divine love, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology proper and the doctrine of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on love address the problem of evil and suffering in light of God's goodness, and how should the church respond?